Ditch At Jetty Park Will Be Roped Off

August 1, 1985

PORT CANAVERAL — Brevard recreation department officials on Wednesday ordered Jetty Park lifeguards to rope off an area where a 5-year-old boy nearly drowned Tuesday. The 25-foot ditch is about 6 feet deep in some spots, a lifeguard said. The hole, about 25 feet from shore, was created when a 74-foot trawler ran aground last week. The trawler was freed Friday.

Officials said they are waiting for the tide to fill in the hole, but it has taken longer than expected.

Lifeguard supervisor Charlie Bamford said other incidents have been reported in the area but Tuesday's ''was the closest call we've had.''

Matthew Shipley of Orlando was pulled to safety by lifeguard Bryan Holmes. He apparently fell into the hole after his mother turned to check on her 9- year-old son, according to fire department officials.

The boy was treated at the scene by paramedics after he apparently swallowed sea water.